Top 10 Resistance Band Benefits

Tuesday, December 11, 2018 8:30:00 AM Europe/London

Some of the simplest fitness tools around, they’re also some of the most versatile.

And if you think resistance bands are just for the weak – think again. Work them into your training and they’re incredibly effective in helping your push past your one-rep max.

Want to be able to do pull ups? Resistance bands can be used as a support while you build up your strength. And you can also use them to add an extra challenge to exercises such as press ups and planks.

If you’ve never tried resistance bands or you’re new to them, you might be surprised as to just how many uses they have.

Watch our video to see Danielle from MSP Fitness take us through the full range of Mirafit Resistance Bands:

Read on to find out why resistance bands are so important in aiding your progression.

Why use resistance bands?

1) They’re great value for money

Buying fitness equipment can often mean investing in large pieces of kit. Resistance bands however are extremely cost-effective. They’re inexpensive and can be used in so many different ways, making them extremely good value for money.

2) They help you progress

Resistance bands are fantastic for helping you progress, because they challenge you during the “easier” parts of each exercise, while loosening off when it gets more demanding.

For example, by looping resistance bands around your barbell for doing squats, the band is most taught when you’re stood up straight (the easiest part of the exercise), it loosens as you go down into the squat and then challenges you again at the end. By using resistance bands, you’re forcing your muscles to engage for the entirety of each rep, giving you a much more effective workout.

3) They supplement your strength training

Every lifter hits a wall in their progression at some point in their training. So, it’s really important to find ways to overcome the times when it feels like you just can’t go any further. Resistance bands help by forcing your muscles to work harder on each rep, without straining them with a load that’s too heavy.

They also allow you to perform variants of standard exercises, which in turn is great for strength progression, endurance and targeting areas of weakness.

4) They’re easy to carry around

There aren’t many bits of gym kit you can just stuff into your gym bag. But resistance bands can be thrown in at a moment’s notice and they don’t take up much room at all. So, whether you train at home or at the local gym, you can always have them with you.

5) You can use them to work your whole body

Sometimes it’s the simplest bits of kit that are the most versatile and resistance bands are no different. Implement them in a variety of different exercises and you can get an effective full-body workout. Plus, they’re not just for strengthening. Resistance bands can really help you to improve your flexibility too. Especially PNF stretching – or Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation – which is key in helping you to further your reach.

6) You can use them safely on your own

Strength training often means having to work out with a personal trainer or a friend to help push you up to the next level. Resistance bands however are safe to use on their own. And if you don’t fancy the trek down to the gym, you can use them at home to get an effective workout.

7) You can combine them with other equipment

Resistance bands can be used with several different types of equipment to help you build strength. For example, you can get Resistance Band Pegs for your power rack to allow you to use them for exercises such as squats. You can also wrap them around your pull up bar to help support you while you train.

8) They’re great for rehabilitation

Resistance bands allow you to find your limits without putting too much pressure on. So, rather than loading up with weights and risking straining the weaker, more vulnerable parts of your body, you can strengthen them up carefully and in a controlled manner by using a resistance band.

9) They come in different sizes

As with most things in life, one size rarely fits all. And it’s the same with resistance bands. Available in different sizes, you can pick the right one depending on your strength or fitness levels – or simply depending on the exercise. The thicker bands are more suitable for those attempting their first pull ups, whereas the thinner bands are ideal for rows and pull downs as well as assisting squat progression.

10) They help with mobility

Resistance bands are also really useful for helping with mobility issues in places such as your hips, knees or shoulders. This is because they allow for gentle, bespoke movements that are free from the constraints of machines at the gym. And whatever you’re using your resistance band for, you can ensure that they are positioned at the right height for you too, so you can concentrate on maintaining correct form.

As you can see, resistance bands are an essential training tool. Use them on their own or in conjunction with larger pieces of equipment to stretch, strengthen and rehabilitate, as well as to vary your training and improve your overall functional fitness.

For more fitness ideas and inspiration, head over to our Instagram and Facebook pages @MirafitOfficial.

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